Have Psychoanalytic Theories of Homosexuality Been Discredited?
Joseph Berger vs. Jack Drescher
Psychiatric News recently published a letter by Jack
Drescher, M.D., deputy representative of the American
Psychiatric Association's Caucus of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Psychiatrists.
He asserted that classic psychoanalytic theories of
homosexuality, which see the condition as a developmental deficit, have been
scientifically discredited.
He also stated that religiously-supportive therapies "convert
patients to the therapist's theoretical belief," and he claimed
that some reparative therapists endorse the criminalization of
homosexuality.
Dr. Joseph Berger, a member of NARTH's Scientific Advisory
Committee, replied to Dr. Drescher as follows:
To the Editor of Psychiatric News:
Dr. Drescher's tirade in the July
2nd issue against treatment of homosexuality contained many inaccuracies.
- I am not aware of any "psychoanalytic dogma." I
believe there are some different psychodynamic
theories about the etiology of homosexuality, some of
which make more sense than others.
- I am not aware that these psychodynamic theories have
been 'disproved.' How? By whom? By the opinions of
Dr. Drescher and his colleagues?
- I don't know who Dr. Drescher's respected experts
are, but as someone who has researched the literature
and published on the etiology of homosexuality, I
cannot find in the current scientific literature any
solid support for a biological causation of
homosexuality. Neither is there any good support for
the notion that "society" creates homosexuality.
So indeed we are left with the psychological dimension
as the fundamental arena for the development of
homosexual strivings.
- I don't know much about reparative therapy, but I am
not aware that "religious conversion" per se is in any way
a goal of reparative therapy.
- I am troubled by the anti-religious bias inherent in
Dr. Drescher's tirade. The lack of respect and
appreciation for the fundamental contributions the
major religions have made toward dragging human
civilization out of its pagan origins and providing
sets of values and guidelines for decent moral
conduct, is unworthy of a psychiatrist. My conception
of a psychiatrist is of a person with a broad
understanding and acceptance of the diversity of human
culture.
- "Anecdotes" are not evidence. There is in fact
no evidence of any special harm befalling homosexuals who
enter psychotherapy with a competent psychotherapist. In my
paper (American Journal of Psychotherapy, 1994) and in numerous
publications by other therapists, successful treatments
with self-identified homosexuals have repeatedly been confirmed.
But there is evidence that enormous harm may occur to
homosexuals who neither enter therapy with a qualified
professional, nor become involved with some religious
support groups.
That evidence is the final state known as
death, resulting from the disease known as AIDS.
I have had patients who came to me for psychotherapy and
who told me that if they had taken the advice offered by
pro-gay clinics and therapists to "accept their homosexuality,"
they would have been dead by the time I saw them.
- If political steps - including the political decision
to remove homosexuality from the DSM - interfere with
the opportunity for those homosexuals who wish to
explore and question more deeply their sexual wishes,
desires, and fears, then such political behavior is
out of place. As long as therapists are knowledgeable
and competent, have core values of decency and
morality, and approach their patients in an
understanding, unprejudiced, and helpful manner,
homosexuals have nothing to fear and everything to
gain. Referring a person troubled by homosexual
thoughts or behavior to a prejudiced "pro-gay"
therapist trying to "convert" the patient to
"accepting" their homosexuality may give rise to as
many problems as might arise in referring such a
patient to a well-trained psychodynamic
psychotherapist.
Yours Sincerely,
Joseph Berger, M.D.